If super-short shorts are your jam, then – boy – do we have a winner for you. Enter Liberal Youth Ministry’s sunset-orange paint-splattered sweat shorts, which are sure to turn heads, if baring acres of thigh wasn’t enough to do the job. Styling is a tad tricker, sure, but our advice is to feign confidence rather than retreating into the safe territory of neutrals. In other words, don’t be afraid to pack on the colour and print, albeit in the same family of hues, such as Marine Serre’s graphic recycled jersey and tie-dye denim bucket hat. And the fun needn’t stop there: for in-between weather, try the shorts-and-sweatshirt combo – made famous by one Princess Diana and adored by today’s menswear guys – by way of Acne Studio’s perky pink jumper. Then finish things off with sporty ASICS sneakers and LOEWE’s cat-eye sunglasses (a guaranteed conversation-starter).

Neutral, straight-leg shorts are your classics. Your ride-or-die summer go-to. The ones you’ll turn to time and time again after opening up the weather app and wondering what on earth to wear. Mind you, classic doesn’t need to translate to boring. And here Japan’s Kaptain Sunshine offers an understated twist with a ruched paper-bag waistline that’ll mark you out as a man of style. Let’s be clear: these are versatile enough to play nicely with just about anything in your wardrobe, but if you’re really looking to impress, then our up-to-date interpretation of the Ivy League look will do the trick. Pair athletic, varsity-style silhouettes by Wales Bonner and SECOND / LAYER with more bookish wares, such as aviator eyeglasses and a leather loafer, then layer on sculptural gold jewellery for a subtle edge.

Karu Research combines its reverence for traditional Indian craftsmanship (intricate embroidery) and utmost comfort (an al fresco feast-friendly drawstring waist) in the form of these textured wide-leg shorts. You’ll no doubt want these to be the star of any outfit, but layering on the washed-out checkerboard print of Kardo’s camp-collar shirt and MANAAKI’s graphic-print T-shirt will add interest without overpowering. Keep the artisanal theme going with a spot of Nicholas Daley – namely the designer’s crocheted cross-body pouch (ahem, on sale – run, don’t walk). And great news for footphobes: we’re calling mules the shoe of the summer here at MR PORTER. Ground your outfit with a leather-trimmed suede pair by VINNY’s, which read more refined than a sneaker, but not quite so dressy as a loafer.

Hats off to the man who, come summer, is courageous enough to slip into a pair of denim shorts. Except take a look at these by LOEWE Paula’s Ibiza and suddenly the prospect of jorts doesn’t seem in any way as cringeworthy as the name suggests. Their wearability lies in their just-right fit and length (we’re far from hot pants territory, here), as well as their deep-indigo hue. Although, sure enough, the accompanying pieces will also play a role in elevating them. Opt for a contemporary-luxe remix on the Canadian tuxedo with the help of Jacquemus’ denim trucker, then keep the colour palette simple with a white tank, a striped cotton-poplin Comme des Garçons shirt and plenty of silver hardware.

What cargo shorts typically offer in practicality and comfort they historically lack in… well, style. Not in the hands of Brunello Cucinelli, though. Here, the label has done away with all connotations of vacation dad dressing and whipped up the most elegant pair of white cargos that we ever did see (doing away with the 465 pockets does help). To style, we advise leaning into the “quiet luxury” look that Cucinelli famously does well by with cool neutral tones – say, a delicious Piacenza Cashmere open-knit shirt layered casually over a tank top. Round things out with a smattering of gold jewellery, and suite of streetwise black accessories.